An industry body has released details of the Australian mining industry’s first dedicated virtual mentoring program.

Launched today by The Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA), the AWRA e-mentoring program is connecting experienced mining, oil and gas professionals with women in the earlier stages of their careers.

This innovative online portal is delivered by resource industry employer group AMMA with support from the Australian Government under the National Resource Sector Workforce Strategy.

AMMA director of group services Tara Diamond, said the first round of e-mentoring partnerships has commenced, with both men and women mentors providing guidance to women seeking to further their resources careers.

“The AWRA e-Mentoring Program is a key part of AWRA’s wider strategy to increase the participation of women in resource jobs from the current 15.2 per cent to 25 per cent by 2020,” Ms Diamond said.

“The remote locations and non-traditional work schedules typical of Australia’s diverse resource industry often make it difficult for career-driven women to connect with experienced industry mentors.

“The AWRA e-Mentoring Program now delivers this mentoring opportunity through a structured, supportive online portal designed to assist women to succeed in the resource industry.

“The first round of mentees and their rigorously matched mentors will be inducted into the program today and guided through a nine-month mentoring process.”

The e-Mentoring program is backed by the AWRA leadership committee comprising industry bodies, academics and resource employers including OZ Minerals, Newcrest Mining and Caltex Australia.

“AWRA aims to support 105 mentees and mentors through the program in the first year,” Ms Diamond says.

“The online platform will guide participants through important steps such as goal setting, developing an action plan and problems solving, while communicating online and by telephone.”

Ms Diamond said the program one of a wider suite of initiatives designed by the industry to get more Australians involved with resource employment.

“Australia’s only industry-run careers website, AMMA miningoilandgasjobs.com, continues to connect employers directly with jobseekers. More than 7000 registered resumes and 1700 vacant positions are now online,” she said.